On tonight’s game: “I’m really proud of how we played. Obviously, we take great pride in the challenge and I really loved late game, down the stretch, the confidence that we played with against a really physical, tough, strong team. Coach McGuff does a great job in terms of his system and his style of play so I knew they’d be ready to play. I’m proud of how we played. I thought we dominated the glass. We were able to show our depth, be patient kind of late game when we had some turnovers that are uncharacteristic of us, but I’m proud of how we kept our poise down the stretch.”

On keeping the lead: “I thought it was really important to not allow them to get any momentum and I thought in some of those stretches we were able to get our defense and our transition going, but I credit them. They continued to make runs and they don’t make a lot of mistakes. They play really hard and play within themselves. I thought it was a terrific game for us to be tested.”

On Ohio State’s defense: “I thought their physicality at times really tested us. I do think it’s an uncharacteristic night for us to go 2-for-11 from the three-point line. They just played hard in terms of how they forced things. I thought they did a terrific job defensively.”

On being 7-0 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge: “We have to bring that success over to the Big Ten in terms of our undefeated record. We want to keep that run. I’m really proud because obviously these games, two power conferences, great conferences, and when you talk about how many times we’ve had to go on the road to be able to win in this challenge, as well as to win here at home in this last matchup, just very proud. Like I told our team, they got to put their mark and be a part of this. We talk about their legacy and that’s important.”

On what she said to the time at halftime: “It was really calm. I didn’t feel like there was any panic. I didn’t feel like we played a great half. I thought we could tighten up in terms of some of the mistakes that we made. It was a uncharacteristic half for us. We just had to be patient and confident.”

On Lexie Brown’s late game three-point shot: “I’ve been able to see her take those through her high school and AAU careers knowing that she wants the ball. I do think it says a lot when you’re in foul trouble the entire game to say within the game. That was a clutch play and much needed. Every single player contributes in a significant way.”

Sophomore Forward Tierney Pfirman

On her rebounding tonight: “In practice Coach B tells us that we have to get offensive and defensive rebounds. That’s my mindset going into the game. We need the boards because once we get those we can push the ball in transition, which is our style of play. Tonight I came out and looked for the loose balls.”

Senior Forward Alyssa Thomas

On going undefeated in the Challenge: “We love the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. It’s great to be 4-0 since I’ve been here. We take great pride in it and I can’t wait to see what they do in the next couple years.”

On Maryland’s lack of runs in the game: “I think the physicality played a big part of it. The game was very physical and we were trying to get stops to get the ball in transition. That’s what we need to get our game going.”

Ohio State Head Coach Kevin McGuff

On Maryland being another challenging team to play: “I thought we played really hard and our kids competed, so I’m proud of that. Maryland is a terrific team. They are talented, well-coached and play hard. I thought it was a really entertaining game, watching two teams play so hard. The difference was that they got too many buckets on transition and offensive rebounds. We just have to get better in those areas for us to have a chance to win a game, especially like this, on the road.

On Ohio State’s zone defense: “We wanted to mix man and zone. I thought we were a little bit better in zone. We got a little worn out in the end and loss some of our aggressiveness. That’s why I think their depth was probably the difference. They were fresher down the stretch and I think because of that, they made more plays than we did.

On how to be a team like Maryland or Connecticut: “We are in transition. Obviously there was a change with the coaching staff. I have a different way of doing things. So we are just kind of changing our culture in the way we do things. I think we have made some significant steps that way. We’ve got some terrific young women in our program. As part of our transition, recruiting is a big part of it. So as much as we aspire to be like the ‘Connecticuts’ and ‘Marylands’ of the world, it’s a combination of what we are doing with our culture, style of play and identity. Also adding the right kids to the program is important. I think we’ve taken some really positive steps here in the last six months, to have a program that competes with the best of the best. We’re coming and hopefully we’re going to be there sooner rather than later.”

On holding Connecticut and Maryland to their lowest point totals: “I think that goes to the competitiveness and toughness our players are displaying. We’re playing really hard and competing. Like everybody, we continue to have to get better throughout the season and I think the teams who reach the potential will get better. Our players have to stay hungry in order to get better.”

On Maryland being in the Big Ten: “I’ve known Brenda for a really long time and she’s done an excellent job with this program. Women’s basketball, they are a great addition to our league and as we aspire to have the best women’s basketball conference in the country, I think both Maryland and Rutgers bring a lot of talent.”